BOEING AIRLINERS http://www.geocities.com/pcawizman/index.html Boeing Model 247 First flight: Feruary 8, 1933 Wingspan: 74 ft. / 2.6 m Length: 51 ft. 7 in. / 15.7 m Height: ??? Ceiling: 25,400 ft. Range: 647 nm / 1,198 km Weight: 13,650 lbs (MTOW) Power plant: Two 500-horsepower P&W Wasp Speed: 260 knots / 482 km/h / 0.39 mach Crew: 3 Accommodation: 10, 400 lbs of mail The Boeing Model 247, developed in 1933, was the first modern passenger airliner. It had an autopilot, pneumatically operated de-icing equipment, a variable-pitch propeller, and retractable landing gear. It took the Model 247 20 hours, with seven stops, to fly between New York and Los Angeles. However, because the 247 flew at 189 mph, its trip was seven and a half hours shorter than that made by any previous airliners. Seventy-six 247s were built. Boeing Air Transport flew 60 Model 247s. United Aircraft Corporation flew 10, and the rest went to Deutsche Lufthansa and a private owner in China. The 247s remained in airline service until World War II, when several were converted into C-73 transports and trainers. Some were still flying in the late 1960s. Along with the Douglas DC-2 that supplanted it, the Model 247 ushered in the age of speed, reliability, safety, and comfort in air travel. ****************** Boeing Model 377 First flight: July 8, 1947 Wingspan: 141 ft. 3 in. / 43 m Length: 110 ft. 4 in. / 33.6 m Height: ??? Ceiling: 33,000 ft. Range: 4,000 nm / 7,408 km Weight: 145,000 lbs (MTOW) Power plant: Four 3,500-horsepower P&W R-4360 Wasp Major Speed: 260 knots / 482 km/h / 0.39 mach Crew: 3 Accommodation: 55-100 in sleeper or one class configuration After World War II, Boeing re-entered the commercial market with a new long-range airliner, the Model 377 "Stratocuiser." Based on the B-29 bomber, it possessed all the speed and technical improvements available to bombers at the end of the war. The Stratocruiser set a new standard for luxurious air travel with a tastefully decorated extra-wide passenger cabin and gold-appointed dressing rooms. A circular staircase led to a lower-deck beverage lounge, and flight attendants prepared hot meals for 50 to 100 people in a state-of-the-art galley. As a sleeper, the Stratocruiser was equipped with 28 upper-and-lower bunk units. Pan American placed the first order for 20 Stratocruisers and they began service between San Francisco and Honolulu in 1949. Boeing built 56 Stratocruisers between 1947 and 1950, and they marked the company’s first significant success selling passenger planes to airlines in other countries. During the early 1960s, Aero Space Lines ballooned the Stratocruiser’s fuselage into a whale-like shape to carry spacecraft sections. Nine of the variants were assembled. The first was called the "Pregnant Guppy," followed by five larger "Superguppies" and three smaller "Miniguppies." ********************** Boeing 707 First flight: July 15, 1954 Wingspan: 145 ft. 9 in. / 44.42 m Length: 152 ft. 11 in. / 46.6 m Height: 42 ft. 5 in. / 12.9 m Ceiling: 43,000 ft. Range: 5,353 nm / 9,914 km Weight: 138,518 lbs / 62,832 kg Power plant: Four Pratt & Whitney JT3D-7 Speed: 529 knots / 980 km/h / 0.80 mach Crew: 3 Accommodation: 141-189 in two or one class configuration America entered the age of the jet transport on July 15, 1954, when the Boeing 707 prototype, the model 367-80, made its maiden flight. Forerunner of the more than 8,000 Boeing jetliners built since, the B707 was the center of attraction in the aviation world of its time, giving many airline pilots, airline executives, and military and government officials their first taste of jet flying. ********************* Boeing 717-200 First flight: First flight: September 2, 1998 Wingspan: 93.3 ft. / 28.4 m Length: 124 ft. / 37.8 m Height: 29 ft. 1 in. / 8.92 m Ceiling: 34,200 ft. Range: 1,375 nm / 2,547 km Weight: 70,790 lb / 32,110 kg Power plant: Two Rolls-Royce BR715 Speed: 510 knots / 945 km/h / mach 0.77 Crew: 2 Accommodation: 106 in two class configuration Designed specifically for efficient short-haul service, short-field operations and fast turnarounds, the Boeing 717-200 is positioned in the heart of the growing 90- to 110-seat regional market. ****************** Boeing 727-100 First flight: February 9, 1963 Wingspan: 108 ft. / 32.91 m Length: 133 ft. 2 in. / 40.59 m Height: 34 ft. / 10.36 m Ceiling: 40,000 ft. Range: 3,000 nm / 5,556 km Weight: 80,600 lbs / 36,560 kg Power plant: Three Pratt & Whitney JT8D7 Speed: 529 knots / 980 km/h / mach 0.80 Crew: 3 Accommodation: 94-131 in two or one class configuration The first trijet introduced into commercial service, the Boeing 727 was the best-selling airliner in the world during the first 30 years of jet transport service. The 727-100 was the first Boeing jetliner to undergo rigorous fatigue testing, have completely powered flight controls, use triple-slotted flaps and to have an auxiliary power unit. Eastern Airlines was the launch customer for the 727-100, with an order for 40 aircraft. Revenue service began on February 1, 1964. Production of the 727-100 ceased in 1973. ******************* Boeing 727-200 First flight: July 27, 1967 Wingspan: 108 ft. / 32.91 m Length: 153 ft. 2 in. / 46.69 m Height: 34 ft. / 10.36 m Ceiling: 40,000 ft. Range: 2,500 nm / 4,630 km Weight: 98,300 lbs / 44,588 kg Power plant: Three Pratt & Whitney JT8D Speed: 529 knots / 980 km/h / mach 0.80 Crew: 3 Accommodation: 148-189 in two or one class configuration The 727-200, introduced in December 1967, had increased gross weight and a 20-foot longer fuselage that could accommodate as many as 189 passengers in an all-economy configuration. In all its variations, 1,245 of the -200s were sold. The last version, the 727-200F, had a 58,000-pound, 11-pallet cargo capacity. ******************** Boeing 737-200 First flight: August 8, 1967 Wingspan: 93 ft. / 28.35 m Length: 100 ft. 2 in. / 30.5 m Height: 36 ft. 10 in / 11.23 m Ceiling: 35,000 ft. Range: 2,503 nm / 4,636 km Weight: 60,600 lbs / 27,488 kg Power plant: Two Pratt & Whitney JT8D Speed: 483 knots / 894 km/h / 0.73 mach Crew: 2 Accommodation: 95-130 in two or one class configuration The Boeing 737 is the best-selling jetliner in the world. Much of the credit for this achievement belongs to the 737-200, which accounted for 1,114 (nearly one third) of all 737s ordered. Though often operated on shorter routes, the 737-200 can fly nonstop up to 2,880 statute miles (4,630 km) with a full passenger payload. A self-sufficient airplane, it can serve remote airfields without the need of ground support equipment such as jetways, electric power units and baggage conveyors. The last 737-200 model was produced in 1971 and delivered April 5, 1971, to Indian Airlines. ******************** Boeing 737-300 First flight: Feb. 24, 1984 Wingspan: 94 ft. 9 in. / 28.9 m Length: 109 ft. 7 in. / 33.4 m Height: 36 ft. 6 in. / 11.1 m Ceiling: 35,000 ft. Range: 2,255 nm / 4,176 km Weight: 72,360 lbs / 32,822 kg Power plant: Two General Electric CFM56-3C-1 Speed: 492 knots / 913 km/h / 0.745 mach Crew: 2 Accommodation: 128-149 in two or one class configuration Launched in March 1981, the Boeing 737-300 was borne of the highly competitive era after U.S. airline deregulation. From the outset, one of the main objectives of the 737-300 program was to maintain commonality with the existing fleet. The airplane would use new and larger CFM56-3 engines, an advanced-technology flight deck and a common airframe. Unlike its predecessor, the 737-200, which was powered by Pratt & Whitney JT8D engines mounted against the underside of the wing in long, thin nacelles, the power plants for the 737-300, as well as all subsequent versions of the 737, are mounted forward of the wing on struts. Relocating engine accessories from the bottom of the engine to the side and flattening the bottom of the inlet lip solved the ground-clearance problem created by the larger engines and resulted in the easily recognizable nacelle shape associated with "Classic" B737s. ********************** Boeing 737-400 First flight: January 26, 1988 Wingspan: 94 ft. 9 in. / 28.9 m Length: 119 ft. 7 in. / 36.4 m Height: 36 ft. 6 in. / 11.1 m Ceiling: 35,000 ft. Range: 2,060 nm / 3,815 km Weight: 76,180 lbs / 34,555 kg Power plant: Two General Electric CFM56-3C-1 Speed: 492 knots / 913 km/h / 0.745 mach Crew: 2 Accommodation: 146-168 in two or one class configuration The 737-400 was formally launched in June 1986 to offer a 737 twinjet with a 10-foot (3 m) fuselage stretch that would add three more economy seat rows and two more first class seats, or 21 more two-class passengers when compared with earlier the 737-300. During development work on the airplane, Boeing kept as a goal long service life and low maintenance, as well as elimination of any excess weight in the airplane. The latest aluminum alloys are used in the structure, along with increased carbon composite parts. A special program of corrosion prevention is designed to assure customers that the airplane will maintain its original structural soundness in any operating environment. First delivery was Sept. 15, 1988, to launch customer Piedmont Airlines. ********************** Boeing 737-500 First flight: June 30, 1989 Wingspan: 94 ft. 9 in. / 28.9 m Length: 101 ft. 9 in. / 31 m Height: 36 ft. 6 in. / 11.1 m Ceiling: 35,000 ft. Range: 2,372 nm / 4,393 km Weight: 70,440 lbs / 31,951 kg Power plant: Two General Electric CFM56-3C-1 Speed: 492 knots / 913 km/h / 0.745 mach Crew: 2 Accommodation: 110-132 in two or one class configuration The Boeing 737-500 was launched on May 20, 1987, with a fuselage 10 inches (25 cm) longer than the popular 737-200. Including the advanced technologies used in the larger 737-300 and -400 models, the 737-500 was designed to provide airline operators with a replacement for the ubiquitous 737-200. First delivery was made to Southwest Airlines on March 2, 1990. ******************** Boeing 737-600 First flight: January 22, 1998 Wingspan: 112 ft. 7 in. / 34.3 m Length: 102 ft. 6 in. / 31.2 m Height: 41 ft. 3 in. / 12.6 m Ceiling: 41,000 ft. Range: 3,050 nm / 5,649 km Weight: 80,360 lbs / 36,451 kg Power plant: Two General Electric CFM56-7B Speed: 525 knots / 972 km/h / 0.79 mach Crew: 2 Accommodation: 110-132 in two or one class configuration The 737-600 was launched on March 15, 1995, with first delivery to SAS in the third quarter of 1998. The 737-600 is the smallest member of the "Next Generation" 737 family, carrying 110 to 132 passengers, and was the third of the new line to be launched. ********************** Boeing 737-700 First flight: February 9, 1997 Wingspan: 112 ft. 7 in. / 34.3 m Length: 110 ft. 4 in. / 33.6 m Height: 41 ft. 2 in. / 12.5 m Ceiling: 41,000 ft. Range: 3,000 nm / 5,556 km Weight: 83,790 lbs / 38,007 kg Power plant: Two General Electric CFM56-7B Speed: 525 knots / 972 km/h / 0.79 mach Crew: 2 Accommodation: 126-149 in two or one class configuration The Next-Generation 737-700 was launched in November 1993. Designed equivalent in size to the classic 737-300, the the -700 was the first of the new 737s. Each of the "Next Generation" 737 models incorporates a new, advanced-technology wing design that helps increase fuel capacity and improve efficiency, both of which increase range. On each wing, the chord is increased by about 20 inches and the total span by nearly 16 feet. The total wing area is increased by 25 percent, providing 30 percent more fuel capacity. The Next Generation 737s are powered by CFM56-7 engines, which meet community noise restrictions well below current Stage 3 limits and below expected Stage 4 limits. To take additional advantage of the new engine's increased thrust, the new 737 models' vertical fin and horizontal stabilizer are larger and landing gear have been extended to increase ground clearance. ******************* Boeing 737-800 First flight: July 31, 1997 Wingspan: 112 ft. 7 in. / 34.3 m Length: 129 ft. 6 in. / 39.5 m Height: 41 ft. 2 in. / 12.5 m Ceiling: 41,000 ft. Range: 2,940 nm / 5,445 km Weight: 90,560 lbs / 41,077 kg Power plant: Two General Electric CFM56-7B Speed: 525 knots / 972 km/h / 0.79 mach Crew: 2 Accommodation: 162-189 in two or one class configuration On Sept. 5, 1994, the second member of the "Next Generation" 737s was launched, the 737-800. Envisioned as a stretched version of the current 737-400, the new -800 and can seat from 162 to 189 passengers. The first delivery was to German carrier Hapag-Lloyd in spring 1998. ********************** Boeing 737-900 First flight: August 3, 2000 Wingspan: 112 ft. 7 in. / 34.3 m Length: 138 ft. 2 in. / 42.1 m Height: 41 ft. 2 in. / 12.5 m Ceiling: 41,000 ft. Range: 2,745 nm / 5,084 km Weight: 93,680 lbs / 42,493 kg Power plant: Two General Electric CFM56-7B Speed: 525 knots / 972 km/h / 0.79 mach Crew: 2 Accommodation: 177-189 in two or one class configuration On Nov. 10, 1997, Alaska Airlines became the launch customer for the 737-900, the longest member of the "Next-Generation" family. ********************* Boeing 747SP First flight: July 4, 1975 Wingspan: 195 ft. 8 in. / 59.64 m Length: 184 ft. 9 in. / 56.31 m Height: 65 ft. 5 in. / 19.94 m Ceiling: 39,000 ft. Range: 6,200 nm / 11,482 km Weight: 325,000 lbs / 147,418 kg Power plant: Four Pratt & Whitney JT9D7AW / RollsRoyce RB211524B-C / General Electric CF645A2 -or- CF650E2F Speed: 540 knots / 1,000 km/h / 0.82 mach Crew: 3 Accommodation: 316-440 in two or one class configuration The 747 Special Performance was designed to offer airlines a longer-range 747 derivative prior to the advent of the -400. To achieve this additional range, the 747-SP used a shortened fuselage, as well as some lighter structural components, which had the unfavorable effect of causing poorer operating economics per seat compared to the 747-200. Despite its limited sales success, the 747SP pioneered a number of long range nonstop services that are now commonly flown by the 747-400. ****************** Boeing 747-400 First flight: April 28, 1988 Wingspan: 211 ft. 5 in. / 64.4 m Length: 231 ft. 10 in. / 70.6 m Height: 63 ft. 8 in. / 19.4 m Ceiling: 41,000 ft. Range: 7,325 nm / 13,566 km Weight: 399,800 lbs / 181,346 kg Power plant: Four Pratt & Whitney PW4062 / Rolls-Royce RB211-524H / General Electric CF6-80C2B5F Speed: 552 knots / 1,041 km/h / 0.85 mach Crew: 2 Accommodation: 416-524 in three or two class configuration (568 in Domestic configuration) The only member of the "Jumbo" family currently in production, the 747-400 incorporates major aerodynamic improvements over earlier 747 models, including the addition of winglets to reduce drag, new avionics, a new flight deck and the latest in-flight entertainment systems. Available in standard -400, Domestic (all single class), Combi and Freighter versions, the 747 offers a product for every operator. The first 747 delivery was in 1969 and Boeing delivered the first 747-400 twenty years later, in 1989, to Northwest Airlines. ****************** Boeing 757-200 First flight: February 19, 1982 Wingspan: 124 ft. 10 in. / 38.05 m Length: 155 ft. 3 in. / 47.32 m Height: 44 ft. 6 in. / 13.56 m Ceiling: 41,000 ft. Range: 3,928 nm / 7,275 km Weight: 128,730 lbs / 58,391 kg Power plant: Two RollsRoyce RB211535C / RB211535E4 -or- Pratt & Whitney PW2037 / PW2040 Speed: 530 knots / 982 km/h / 0.80 mach Crew: 2 Accommodation: 192-239 in two or one class configuration Designed as a replacement for the 727 trijet, versatile 757 can fly transatlantic and other long-haul routes as well as short-haul routes equally efficiently. The 757 shares a common flight deck with the 767, simplifying pilot training requirements, as well as a common cross section with the 727, 737, 707 and 720. The 757 was launched in March 1979, with first delivery in January 1983. ****************** Boeing 757-300 First flight: August 2, 1998 Wingspan: 124 ft. 10 in. / 38.05 m Length: 178 ft. 7 in. / 54.47 m Height: 44 ft. 6 in. / 13.56 m Ceiling: 41,000 ft. Range: 3,467 nm / 6,421 km Weight: 141,330 lbs / 64,106 kg Power plant: Two RollsRoyce RB211535E4-B -or- Pratt & Whitney PW2043 Speed: 530 knots / 982 km/h / 0.80 mach Crew: 2 Accommodation: 239-289 in two or one class configuration The B757-300 features a 23 ft. 4 in. / 7.11 m fuselage extension over -200. This fuselage stretch allows a 20% increase in seating and a 40% increase in lower hold freight capacity. The 757-300 was launched in September 1996, with first delivery to Condor Flugdienst on March 10, 1999. ******************* Boeing 767-200 First flight: September 26, 1981 Wingspan: 156 ft. 1 in. / 47.6 m Length: 159 ft. 2 in. / 48.5 m Height: 52 ft. / 15.8 m Ceiling: 41,000 ft. Range: 6,615 nm / 12,251 km Weight: 182,400 lbs / 82,735 kg (186,700 lbs / 84,686 kg -ER) Power plant: Two Pratt & Whitney PW4062 -or- General Electric CF6-80C2B7F Speed: 530 knots / 982 km/h / 0.80 mach Crew: 2 Accommodation: 181-224-255 in three, two or one class configuration The narrowest widebody in service, the 767-200 was developed in tandem with the narrowbody 757 with which it shares significant commonality. Launched in July 1978, with first delivery to United Airlines on September 26, 1982. The longer range 767-200ER (Extended Range) version, which first flew on March 6, 1984, features higher weights and an additional wing center section fuel tank. ********************* Boeing 767-300 First flight: January 30, 1986 Wingspan: 156 ft. 1 in. / 47.6 m Length: 180 ft. 3 in. / 54.9 m Height: 52 ft. / 15.8 m Ceiling: 41,000 ft. Range: 6,115 nm / 11,325 km Weight: 196,000 lbs / 88,904 kg (199,600 lbs / 90,537 kg -ER) Power plant: Two Pratt & Whitney PW4062 -or- General Electric CF6-80C2B7F -or- Rolls Royce RB211-514H Speed: 530 knots / 982 km/h / 0.80 mach Crew: 2 Accommodation: 218-269-351 in three, two or one class configuration / 60.5 tons (freighter) Announced in February 1982, the 767-300 features a 21 ft. 1 in. fuselage stretch over the -200. First delivery was in September 1986 to Japan Airlines. The longer range 767-300ER (Extended Range) version, which first flew on December 19, 1986, features higher weights and an additional wing center section fuel tank. The 767-300F (freighter) is the newest member of the Boeing family of freighters, launched in January 1993. First delivery was made in October 1995. Changes from the standard -300 include a strengthened undercarriage and wing structure, cargo handling system, no cabin windows and a main deck freight door. ******************* Boeing 767-400ER First flight: October 9, 1999 Wingspan: 170 ft. 4 in. / 51.9 m Length: 201 ft. 4 in. / 61.4 m Height: 55 ft. 4 in. / 16.8 m Ceiling: 41,000 ft. Range: 5,635 nm / 10,436 km Weight: 226,400 lbs / 102,693 kg Power plant: Two Pratt & Whitney PW4062 -or- General Electric CF6-80C2B8F Speed: 530 knots / 982 km/h / 0.80 mach Crew: 2 Accommodation: 245-304-375 in three, two or one class configuration Launched on April 28, 1997, the 767-400 features a 21 ft. 1 in. fuselage stretch over the -300. First delivery was on August 29, 2000 to Delta, followed closely by an August 31 delivery to Continental Airlines. The newest member of the 767 family , the -400ER offers a lengthened fuselage, aerodynamic improvements including a unique raked wingtip, increased takeoff weight capability and an all-new main landing gear. The 767-400ER is designed to replace aging L-1011, DC-10-30 and A300 aircraft. Boeing has committed to produce a longer-range version of the new 767-400ER, offering the capacity of the 767-400ER with the range of the 767-300ER. The first longer-range 767-400ER (B767-400LR?) will be delivered in the spring of 2004. ***************** Boeing 777-200 First flight: June 14, 1994 Wingspan: 199 ft. 11 in. / 60.9 m Length: 209 ft. 1 in. / 63.7 m Height: 60 ft. 9 in. / 18.5 m Ceiling: 41,000 ft. Range: 5,150 nm / 9,538 km (7,695 nm / 14,251 km -ER) Weight: 310,400 lbs / 140,795 kg (319,800 lbs / 145,059 kg -ER) Power plant: Two Pratt & Whitney 4077 (4090-ER) -or- Rolls-Royce Trent 877 (895-ER) -or- General Electric GE90-77B (94B-ER) Speed: 555 knots / 1,028 km/h / 0.84 mach Crew: 2 Accommodation: 320-400-440 in three, two or one class configuration Launched in October 1990, the 777-200 was offered in two versions, the basic 777-200 and the increased weight, longer range 777-200ER. The initial 777-200 was first delivered in May 1995, followed by the -ER version in February 1997. The 777 was the first aircraft to be designed entirely by computer (CAD) and includes Boeing's first application of flybywire as well as comparatively large scale use of composites. Although no airlines have opted for it, the 777 is also offered with optional folding wings, where the outer 21 ft. / 6 m of each wing folds upward for operations at space congested airports. ******************** Boeing 777-300 First flight: October 16, 1997 Wingspan: 199 ft. 11 in. / 60.9 m Length: 242 ft. 4 in. / 73.9 m Height: 60 ft. 9 in. / 18.5 m Ceiling: 41,000 ft. Range: 5,960 nm / 11,038 km (7,200 nm / 13,330 km -ER) Weight: 342,900 lbs / 155,637 kg (372,800 lbs / 169,099 kg -ER) Power plant: Two Pratt & Whitney 4098 -or- Rolls-Royce Trent 892 (GE90-115B -ER) Speed: 555 knots / 1,028 km/h / 0.84 mach Crew: 2 Accommodation: 386-479-550 in three, two or one class configuration Launched on June 26, 1995, the 777-300 is a high-capacity version of the -200, stretched 33 ft. Designed to replace early model 747s, the 777-300 has nearly the same passenger capacity and range capability as the 747-100/-200 models, but burns one-third less fuel and has 40 percent lower maintenance costs. ***************** Boeing BBJ First flight: September 4, 1998 Wingspan: 112 ft. 7 in. / 34.3 m Length: 117 ft. 5 in. / 35.79 m Height: 41 ft. 2 in. / 12.5 m Ceiling: 41,000 ft. Range: 5,935 nm / 10,990 km Weight: 94,980 lbs / 43,082 kg Power plant: Two General Electric CFM56-7B Speed: 525 knots / 972 km/h / 0.79 mach Crew: 2 Accommodation: 126-149 in two or one class configuration The Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) was launched on July 2, 1996 as a joint venture between Boeing and General Electric. Designed for corporate and individual use, the BBJ is a high-performance derivative of the 737-700. The BBJ marries the 737-700 fuselage with the stronger wing and gear of the 737-800. A second version of the BBJ, called BBJ 2, was launched in 1999. Based on the 737-800, the BBJ 2 has 25% more cabin space and twice the cargo space of the BBJ. ******************* Boeing BWB First flight: 2010 Wingspan: 289 ft. 0 in. / 88.1 m Length: 160 ft. 10 in. / 49.0 m Height: 40 ft. 11 in. / 12.5 m Ceiling: 41,000 ft. Range: 8,000 nm / 14,816 km Weight: 823,000 lbs / 373,307 kg (MTOW) Power plant: ??? Speed: 562 knots / 1,041 km/h / 0.85 mach Crew: 2 Accommodation: 800 in three class configuration This revolutionary blended wing design, called BWB for short, was conceived by the McDonnell Douglas Corporation and now proposed by Boeing. Its flying-wing shape has a thick airfoil-shaped fuselage section to maximize overall efficiency by integrating the engines, wings, and the body into a single lifting surface. The BWB concept houses a wide double-deck passenger compartment that actually blends into the wing. Adjacent to the passenger section is ample room for baggage and cargo. Preliminary analyses indicate that the BWB would outperform all conventional aircraft. It is conceived to carry 800 passengers 8,000 nautical miles at a cruise speed of approximately 560 knots. This is almost twice the passenger capacity of the Boeing 747-400 and 69% larger than the new Airbus A380! This design would reduce fuel burn and harmful emissions per passenger mile by almost a third in comparison to today's aircraft. Other potential benefits of the BWB include increased aerodynamic performance, lower operating cost and reduced community noise levels. ******************* Boeing Vertol 234 (CH-47) First flight: Sepember 21, 1961 Rotorspan: 60 ft. 0 in. / 18.3 m Length: 51 ft. 0 in. / 15.5 m Height: 18 ft. 11.5 in. / 5.5 m Ceiling: 10,200 ft. / 3,109 m Range: 230 nm / 33.2 km Weight: 23,401 lbs / 10,615 kg Power plant: Two Textron Lycoming T55-L712 engines Speed: 143 knots / 265 km/h / 0.22 mach Crew: 2 Accommodation: 33 troops or 22 passengers in military or civil configuration Development of the medium-lift Vertol models 114 and 414 CH-47 Series Chinook began in 1956. In 1960, Boeing purchased Vertol and in 1961 introduced the first CH-47: a YHC-1B for the Army/ Air Force. The CH-47 has been continually upgraded with the introduction of A, B, C and D/F models. The current D/F model includes upgraded power plants, rotor transmissions, integral lubrication and cooling for the transmission systems, fiberglass rotor blades, air-to-air refueling probe and all-weather capability. ****************** Boeing Sonic Cruiser First flight: 2006-2008 Wingspan: ??? Length: ??? Height: ??? Ceiling: 45,000 ft. Range: 9,000 nm / 16,668 km Weight: ??? Power plant: Twin 777-class Speed: 648 knots / 1,131 km/h / 0.95 mach Crew: 2 Accommodation: 100-300 in a family of aircraft Focusing on non-stop, point-to-point service, Boeing has announced intentions to build a family of aircraft that will carry between 100 and 300 passengers and decrease travel times. Operating at speeds of 0.95-0.98 Mach, the new Sonic Cruiser will be 15 percent faster than most commercial aircraft. Only the Concorde, which flies faster than Mach 2, is quicker. Boeing estimates that the Sonic Cruiser will shave one hour off of every 3,000 miles (4,828 km) traveled. The increased speed will get passengers to their destinations 20 percent faster than standard commercial airliners. The Sonic Cruiser will be the first major design change to commercial aircraft in decades, with the following major design features: Double delta wings - The large delta wings will likely be constructed of all-composite materials and are placed farther back on the fuselage than conventional wings. The wing design suggests a large root chord, which would increase load-carrying capacity, while allowing a low thickness/chord ratio for low sonic drag. The large wing glove provides more fuel volume for longer non-stop trips and its high sweep cuts drag at high Mach number. The wing design also increases cargo capacity, as fuel is not stored in the fuselage and the primary wing structure does not intrude into the under-deck cargo space. Canards - Smaller, wing-like structures just behind the nose of the aircraft give the plane more horizontal stability at high speeds. Aft-mounted engines - Reminiscent of the Blackbird SR-71, the engines are blended into the body of the wing for aerodynamic efficiency. Use of 777-type engines is currently planned, possibly with lower bypass ratio for a more compact fit on the airframe and more exhaust velocity to match the higher cruise speed. Use of composites and high-tech manufacturing methods to keep weight and long-term costs low. Few details of the Sonic Cruiser's specific dimensions have been released, because Boeing engineers are likely to make more adjustments before moving beyond the drawing board. The airplane is expected to be ready for takeoff sometime between 2006 and 2008, with orders potentially beginning in 2002. ******************** Boeing YC-14 First flight: August 9, 1976 Wingspan: 129 ft. 0 in. / 39.32 m Length: 131 ft. 8 in. / 40.15 m Height: 48 ft. 4 in. / 14.71 m Ceiling: 45,000 ft. Range: 2,772 nm / 5,134 km Weight: 117,500 lbs / 53,297 kg Power plant: Two General Electric CF6-50D Speed: 390 knots / 723 km/h / mach 0.59 Crew: 3 Accommodation: 40.5 tons -or- 150 troops In the early-1970s, the U.S. Air Force issued an Advanced Medium STOL Transport requirement for a new jet-powered tactical airlifter to replace the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. In 1972, two proposals were accepted for construction as the Boeing YC-14 and McDonnell Douglas YC-15 prototypes. The Boeing Model 953 design for STOL performance was based on the use of a supercritical wing which provides highly efficient performance from the wing at high subsonic speeds. To this wing Boeing added an advanced wing upper-surface blowing concept, mounting the twin turbofan engines forward and above the wing so that their efflux was exhausted over the wing (this location also gave the airplane a quieter noise footprint.). With the wing's leading-edge flaps and Coanda-type trailing-edge flaps extended, the high-speed airflow from the engines tended to cling to the upper surface of the wing/flap system and was thus directed downward to provide powered lift. It was the most efficient powered-lift system ever developed. The YC-14's basic mission was to carry large, bulky payloads into and out of short, rough dirt fields that were less than 2,000 ft. long, even if an engine failed. It had a large fuselage to accommodate most tanks, trucks and armored personnel carriers used by the U.S. Army. At the completion of testing in the late summer of 1977, the YC-14 prototypes were returned to Boeing for continuing development if the company so wished. Due to budget restrictions, no further government funding for development or procurement was made.